Feasibility and acceptability of a mindfulness-based vitality promotion program in a lifelong learning setting: a single-arm mixed-methods study

Background: As global aging accelerates, age-related psychophysiological conditions have emerged as major public health concerns. Promoting and sustaining vitality, an inherent human capacity, is essential for healthy aging and long-term well-being. The Mindfulness-based Vitality Promotion (MVP) program is a mindfulness-based behavioral intervention designed to enhance physical and psychological vitality and support sustainable well-being. This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of the MVP program and explored preliminary pre–post changes in health-related outcomes among community-dwelling individuals in a lifelong learning setting.

Methods: This study employed a single-arm mixed-methods design. A total of 35 participants were recruited for this study. The MVP program was delivered over 8 weeks, with each session lasting 90 min. Quantitative data were collected through self-report questionnaires, and qualitative data were obtained via semi-structured interviews. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed based on program retention, session attendance, and participant satisfaction.

Results: Quantitative analysis revealed significant pre–post increases in integrative vitality and well-being, along with significant reductions in depression, fatigue, and anxiety. No statistically significant changes were observed in pain, sleep disturbance, digestive symptoms, anger, or mindfulness. Of the 35 enrolled participants, 31 completed the program (88.6%), with a mean attendance of 6.37 of eight sessions. Among the 30 satisfaction survey respondents, 28 (93.3%) indicated willingness to participate again and 30 (100%) indicated willingness to recommend the program to others. The qualitative analysis identified four major themes: (i) diverse life challenges and self-care needs, (ii) learning through experience, connection, and application, (iii) regaining balance and agency in life, and (iv) sustaining practice requires continued support.

Conclusion: Mixed-methods findings provide preliminary information regarding the feasibility and acceptability of the MVP program and indicate favorable pre–post changes in several self-reported health-related outcomes. The MVP program may represent a practical lifelong learning intervention with potential relevance for public health promotion. Further controlled studies are warranted to establish its efficacy. Trial registration The trial was first submitted to the Clinical Research Information Service, Republic of Korea (KCT0009961, https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do?seq=28524&search_page=L ), on October 8, 2024, before participant enrollment began, and registration was finalized on November 28, 2024.